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IMSA Receives Highest Ranking in World Math Contest

One team from IMSA received the highest ranking possible in the 15th annual international High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling (HiMCM). Their performance placed IMSA among the top eight schools in the world in this year’s competition.

The IMSA team of Summer Wu of Lake Forest, Mary Do of Carpentersville, Zi-Ning Choo of Naperville and Grace Li of Schaumburg received the rank of “National Outstanding.”

Only eight teams out of 518 that competed worldwide received this ranking.

Although international studies generally place the United States in the middle of the pack compared to other countries, IMSA President Dr. Max McGee noted that IMSA's students have proven to be among the best in the world, in international competitions.

"For the eighth consecutive year, IMSA's math teams have received the highest ranking possible in this international event showcasing how mathematics can be used to solve some of the world's most challenging scientific, economic and social problems," McGee said. "IMSA students and coaches, both past and present, are to be commended for this amazing achievement."

The High School Mathematical Contest in Modeling is a 36-hour contest where each team is expected to solve a mathematical modeling problem. Each team then prepares and submits a paper discussing their solution to the problem.

Outstanding teams will have their solution papers (or their solution abstracts) published in COMAP’s Consortium newsletter among other places. More information on the contest can be found at http://www.comap.com/highschool/contests/himcm/.

The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program, and it serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. IMSA also advances education through research, groundbreaking ventures and strategic partnerships. (www.imsa.edu)